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ABOUT
Who are independent voters and what do we want?
Between 38 and 42% of Americans identify as independents in the latest polls. In
California, voters unaffiliated with a political party (called "Decline to State") are the
fastest growing segment of the electorate.
Independents feel there is something deeply wrong with politics in America. All of the
political dialogue – even on critical issues – is shaped by what is best for the political
parties. Independents want to reduce the influence of parties and increase the power
of voters so that we can meet the serious challenges facing our country today.
How are independents having an impact?
Independent voters are working on numerous fronts to open up our political process.
Independents are reaching out to candidates of any party who pledge to support
reforms. Independents are also supporting ballot initiatives and campaigns aimed at
opening up the political process.
In 2008, independent voters participating in open primary states provided Barack
Obama with his margin of victory in both the Presidential Primary and General Election.
As New York Magazine wrote, we elected America’s first “independent” President.
Recent Campaigns
IndependentVoice.Org has played a central role in major reform campaigns in California,
with the aim to open up our democracy and reduce partisan control. Recent highlights
include:
Victory for Open Primaries - Prop 14: In 2010, California voters approved Prop 14, which
takes away the power of the parties to run our elections process. Beginning in 2012
statewide and congressional elections in California will mirror our local elections (mayor,
city council, etc) rather than being run by party. All the candidates will run together on a
single ballot, and all voters will participate by voting on that ballot. The top two vote
getters will then go on to a "run off" style election in the fall.
Victories for Redistricting Reform - Props 11 and 20: Beginning in 2011, election districts
will be drawn by a panel of ordinary Californians, rather than by the politicians in
Sacramento. This panel includes independent voters, and gets rid of the
gerrymandering done by the politicians to ensure they get re-elected no matter what
the voters think of them.
What is IndependentVoice.Org?
IndependentVoice.Org, founded in 2002, is a 501(c)4 political non-profit organization
that serves as the California branch of the independent movement. IndependentVoice.
Org has been involved in numerous advocacy and ballot initiative campaigns to open the
primary elections, reform redistricting, implement public campaign financing, and enact
same-day voter registration.
Who is IndependentVoice.Org affiliated with?
For our national affiliate, go to www.IndependentVoting.Org
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